Probably the biggest surprise for 2008 is the fact that Utah has leapfrogged both Arizona and New Mexico to lead the region in both planned project spending and project activity for 2008. Based on projects scheduled to begin construction in 2008, Utah leads all states in the region with 59 projects totaling $6.5 billion. Utah's rise can be attributed to an influx of energy-related projects including $3.7 billion for the Power Industry, mainly for coal-fired-related developments, a planned $500 million petroleum refinery project, and some large-scale oil and gas pipeline projects. Nonenergy-related industries are experiencing an increase in activity, as well. There's even a grassroot paper mill planned to begin construction next year in Utah. For the Pharmaceutical-Biotech Industry, nine projects totaling $751 million are planned in the state for 2008.

Arizona is a close second to Utah with $6.2 billion, followed by New Mexico with $6.1 billion, Nevada with $5.1 billion, Wyoming with $4.9 billion, Colorado with $4.1 billion and Montana with $2.7 billion.
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